Jammu, Jan 30 (KNS): Renowned Kashmiri poet and Jnanpith awardee litterateur, Prof. Rehman Rahi has been chosen for first Sharf-e-Saqafat Award, the JKAACL announced today.
Born in 1925 Prof. Rahi is known for his erudite Kashmiri poetry. A person of pan India standing, this former professor emeritus of University of Kashmir is widely known for depth of his poetry.
“The jury / panel arrived at the unanimous decision that the first Sharf-e-Saqafat award be given to Prof. Rehman Rahi for his outstanding contribution in the field of literature, academics and culture and his having earned a pan India reputation,” the statement by the expert jury/panel, chaired by noted writer Padma Sachdeva said.
Addressing representatives of media fraternity at Jammu, Secretary JKAACL, Dr. Aziz Hajini said that Prof. Rehman Rahi is a path-breaking poet, who deserved such an honour
“He has immensely enriched Kashmiri literature,” Hajini said adding it was on account of his multifaceted personality that the jury/panel decided to choose him for the honour.
Prof. Rahi has been the recipient of many coveted awards in the past, including Padma Shree, Kabir Samman, State Award, Sahitya Akademi Award, and Jnanpith.
It may be recalled that in its meeting held in December, 2016, the General Council of the JKAACL decided to institute the Sharf-e-Saqafat award of Rs 10 lakh to be given once in two years to any eminent personality from the fields of arts, culture and literature.
Consequently on the request of the Secretary JKAACL, expert panel was constituted under the headship of prominent Dogri writer, Padma Sachdeva with Secretary JKAACL as the Member Secretary. Others on the decision-making body included Jitinder Singh, Masood Hussain, R. L. Shant, and MK Raina.
Apart from announcing the first Sharf-e-Saqafat award, the Secretary JKAACL also announced that the Academy was in the process of finalizing awards in various categories of performing arts for which the apex committee was meeting shortly.
Pertinently, the General Council of the Academy has instituted awards in various categories of performing arts. The awards of Rs 1 lakh each will be given on annual rotational basis. (KNS)